Best Practices for Students with ADHD

Learn how to better support your students with ADHD in the classroom with some helpful tips.

• Give lots of verbal praise and feedback so the student knows what expected behaviors look like and what they should be doing to gain your attention 
• Have consistent routines so that the student knows what to expect each day 
• Provide several of opportunity for movement throughout the day
  • They can be whole class or giving the student with ADHD extra tasks (pass out papers, deliver something to office, etc…) 
  • Integrating schedule movement breaks into the student’s schedule are often helpful
    • These are scheduled breaks, not earned or taken away

• Minimize distractions 
• Allow a small fidget item during learning times
• squishy ball, pencil dipped in glue, silly putty, etc…  
• Use flexible seating or a theraband to kick in between the legs of a chair  

• Use short and concise directions with only 1-2 directions at a time  
• Use a timer during activities, especially independent/small group work so that the student knows how long to stay focused for.   

• “Time Timers” can be helpful because they visually show how much time is left.  
• “Children’s Countdown” app also visually shows how much time is left, and it’s free!   
• Break work up into chunks to help the student organize larger tasks. 

• Resources:
  • https://childmind.org/guide/teachers-guide-to-adhd-in-the-classroom/
  • https://www.positiveaction.net/blog/teaching-students-with-adhd
  • https://education.wm.edu/centers/ttac/documents/packets/adhd.pdf